NCFA

Norfolk FA Statement: County Cups 19-20

Norfolk FA
A statement from Norfolk FA regarding the culmination of the 19/20 Norfolk County Cup Competitions.

NORFOLK FA STATEMENT: COUNTY CUPS 19/20

A statement from Norfolk FA regarding the culmination of the 19/20 Norfolk County Cup Competitions.

Earlier this week, after very careful consideration of all factors involved, the Norfolk County FA Board of Directors made the difficult decision to conclude all of last season’s County Cup competitions with immediate effect. As such, there will be no further matches played in these competitions.

The County Cup Finals are our showpiece occasions each year and are enjoyed by club officials, volunteers, players, match officials, partners and all of the Norfolk Football community. It was an extremely difficult decision to make, however when considering the following factors, the Board of Directors concluded that it was simply not possible to guarantee that the competitions could be played in a safe, fair and timely manner.

Factors considered by the Board of Directors:

  • No access to Carrow Road for four finals
  • Two finals still in the semi-final stages
  • No spectators currently permitted
  • No use of changing facilities permitted
  • No pre & post-match formalities and presentations due to social distancing
  • Issues regarding registration and eligibility of players
  • The 20/21 season having already been delayed with the prospect of further delays
  • Not in keeping with the county cup final occasional that can be enjoyed by all

Whilst the consideration was given to the possibility of concluding some competitions and not others, the Board wanted to recognise that all cups were of equal importance to all involved. As such, it was decided that all would be concluded in this same, regrettable manner.

Chief Executive, Gavin Lemmon said: “We recognise that this decision will be extremely disappointing to not only the players and coaches of the teams involved, but the match officials, volunteers and supporters that were looking forward to playing their part in our showpiece events. Rather than make an impulsive decision weeks or months ago, we have waited until this moment in order to give every possibility for the competitions to be concluded on the pitch, however I hope people can appreciate the reasoning behind the Board’s decision.”

Chairman, Michael Banham said: “The past few months have been unprecedented times for all of us, and whilst various areas of society, and even sports, are beginning to return to some kind of normality; the health, safety and well-being of everybody is still the highest priority. Whilst this is a very disappointing moment, and a hugely difficult decision to make, we felt that as an Association we would not be able to fully maintain those priorities as well as deliver an experience worthy of a Norfolk County Cup Final occasion.”

As a small goodwill gesture, it has been agreed that any team that was still in a Norfolk FA County Cup at the conclusion of the 19/20 season, will be given free entry to this season’s competitions. We understand that this will be of little compensation to the disappointment of not having a cup final to play in, however we hope that it goes a small way to demonstrate our own disappointment at this news.

We wish everybody good luck for the upcoming season; but much like society, with football likely to be unpredictable for the foreseeable future, we more importantly hope you and your loved ones stay safe.

Norfolk FA